Lebohang Maboe’s Bafana Return Thrown Into Doubt After Kaizer Chiefs Injury
Lebohang Maboe’s long-awaited return to Bafana Bafana has been placed in doubt after the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was forced off with an injury during Sunday’s goalless draw against Lamontville Golden Arrows. Maboe had been handed a place in Pitso Mosimane’s national team squad after spending five years away from international football. His return was already a significant moment in his career, but the injury has now created uncertainty over whether he will be fit enough to join his teammates in the upcoming fixtures. Kaizer Chiefs will also be waiting for further medical assessments before knowing the full extent of the problem.
Maboe started the match against Golden Arrows but endured a difficult afternoon after seeing his penalty saved. The midfielder stepped up from the spot with an opportunity to give Kaizer Chiefs the lead, but Thakasani Mbanjwa produced the save to deny him. Just minutes later, Maboe was withdrawn at halftime after experiencing discomfort and was replaced by Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko. The timing of the injury was particularly concerning because Maboe had only recently earned his way back into the Bafana Bafana setup. His condition will now be closely monitored ahead of the national team’s upcoming commitments.
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard confirmed after the match that Maboe would need to undergo further medical examinations. Sheppard explained that the midfielder was experiencing pain when he was forced to leave the field, although the initial hope is that the problem is not serious. The Chiefs coach suggested that it could be a slight ankle sprain and expressed hope that Maboe would still be able to report for national team duty. Until the medical team completes its assessment, however, there is no certainty over whether he will be available. The next update from the Bafana camp is therefore expected to provide important clarity on his condition.
The timing of the injury comes just as Maboe was preparing to make his return to international football after a lengthy absence. The 32-year-old was recalled by Mosimane five years after his last appearance for Bafana Bafana. Maboe last featured for the national team in June 2021, around the beginning of Hugo Broos’ tenure as head coach, although he was not on the bench for that particular match. His return under Mosimane represents another opportunity for a player who has continued his professional career at the highest level in South African football. That opportunity could now depend on how quickly he recovers from the ankle problem.
Maboe’s experience is one of the factors that made his recall notable, particularly as Bafana prepare for a demanding run of international matches. He spent seven years under contract at Mamelodi Sundowns before continuing his career elsewhere and eventually joining Kaizer Chiefs. His experience at club level has given him a strong understanding of the demands of playing at the highest level in South Africa. Mosimane has now brought him back into the national team fold after a considerable period away. A successful return could have provided Maboe with another chance to establish himself internationally, but his immediate focus will now be on recovering from the injury.
Bafana Bafana have already gone into camp as preparations continue for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. The national team is scheduled to face Guinea and Eritrea before also playing a friendly against Egypt. These fixtures give Mosimane an opportunity to assess his squad and prepare the team for the challenges ahead. Maboe’s potential absence would leave the coach with one less experienced midfield option to work with during the camp. It also means the medical update on the Chiefs midfielder will be important for both the player and the national team.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the injury adds another concern following their 0-0 draw against Golden Arrows at Mbombela Stadium. Maboe was one of the players expected to contribute creatively in midfield, but his afternoon ended prematurely after the penalty miss and subsequent injury. Chiefs were unable to find a breakthrough despite creating opportunities during the match, leaving them with another draw in the Betway Premiership. The club will now hope that Maboe’s injury is minor and that he can recover quickly. His availability will matter not only to Bafana Bafana but also to Chiefs as they continue their league campaign.
The national team will have to wait for the medical assessment before making a final decision on Maboe’s involvement. Sheppard’s comments provide some optimism because the initial expectation is that the injury could be a slight ankle sprain rather than a more serious problem. However, the midfielder was clearly in enough discomfort to be removed at halftime, meaning his condition cannot be taken for granted. A further update from the Bafana camp on Monday afternoon should offer a clearer indication of whether he will remain part of Mosimane’s plans. Until then, Maboe’s long-awaited international comeback remains uncertain.
Maboe’s injury comes at an unfortunate time because his Bafana Bafana recall had given him the chance to return to the international stage after five years away. At 32, the midfielder knows that opportunities to represent the national team are valuable, particularly after such a lengthy absence. His immediate priority will be getting the necessary treatment and determining the extent of the ankle problem. If the injury proves to be minor, he could still have the opportunity to join Mosimane’s squad and work towards making his return. For now, both Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana will be hoping the medical assessment delivers positive news and keeps Maboe’s international comeback alive.
